Electromagnetic radiation collector and transport system

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a radiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. The radiation collector includes a radiation directing component configured to redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured to receive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component, and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from the buffer component and to propagate the radiation towards a first end of the propagation component.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of US ProvisionalApplication No.: 60/357,705, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to collectors configured to collectelectromagnetic radiation and in particular, collectors configured tocollect solar radiation and further relates to optical connectors forcoupling radiation from a first optical component to a second opticalcomponent.

[0003] Solar energy collectors have used holographic elements to alterthe direction of incident sunlight. Such example solar collectorsinclude U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,224; U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,874, and U.S. Pat.No. 6,274,860. However, each of these systems discuss the need to alterthe holographic element at various spatial regions in order to avoidunwanted decoupling of solar energy from the solar collector. Suchrequirements result in complex systems which are not practical.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes aradiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. Theradiation collector includes a radiation directing component configuredto redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured toreceive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component,and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from thebuffer component and to propagate the radiation by at least totalinternal reflection. Other embodiments of the present invention furtherinclude connectors for coupling radiation from a first optical componentto a second optical component.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a collector for collectingradiation incident on the collector from at least a first directioncomprises a propagation component configured to transmit radiation andhaving a first end and at least a first refractive index; a buffercomponent coupled to the propagation component and configured totransmit radiation and having at least a second refractive index, thesecond refractive index being less than the first refractive index ofthe propagation component; and a radiation directing component coupledto the buffer component and configured to redirect the incidentradiation from the at least first direction along at least a seconddirection different than the first direction within the buffercomponent, such that the radiation enters the propagation component andis propagated within the propagation component toward a first end of thepropagation component by at least total internal reflection. In oneexample, the radiation is solar radiation and the buffer component ispositioned relative to the propagation component and the radiationdirecting component, such that the radiation propagating in thepropagation component is prevented from interacting with the radiationdirecting component.

[0006] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a collector for collectingradiation incident on the collector from at least a first directioncomprises a radiation directing component configured to redirect theincident radiation; a buffer component coupled to the radiationdirecting component and configured to receive the radiation redirectedby the radiation directing component; and a propagation componentcoupled to the buffer component and configured to receive the radiationfrom the buffer component and to propagate the radiation generally in afirst direction toward a first end of the propagation component by atleast total internal reflection, the radiation directing component beingpositioned such that the radiation incident on the collector which isreceived into the propagation component is incident from a directiongenerally not parallel with the first direction of the propagationcomponent.

[0007] In a further exemplary embodiment, a solar collector configuredto collect incident solar radiation and to be affixed to a surface of abuilding comprises an optical component having a top surface and a firstend, the optical component configured to receive the incident solarradiation through the top surface and to collect the incident solarradiation at the first end of the optical component; and an attachmentcomponent coupled to the optical component, the attachment componentconfigured to receive at least one fastening components to secure theattachment component to the surface of the building.

[0008] In one exemplary method, a method of collecting incidentradiation comprises the steps of receiving the incident radiation fromat least a first direction; redirecting the incident radiation with aradiation directing component into a propagation component; retainingthe radiation in the propagation component such that the radiation ispropagated generally toward a first end of the propagation component;and optically separating the radiation component from the propagationcomponent such that the radiation propagating with the propagationcomponent is prevented from interacting with the radiation directingcomponent.

[0009] In another exemplary method, a method of coupling opticalradiation from at least a first source of optical radiation into a firstoptical transport component including a first propagation component anda first buffer component, the first buffer component radially overlayingthe first propagation component and the first optical transportcomponent configured to propagate optical radiation in generally a firstdirection toward a first end of the first optical transport component orin generally a second direction toward a second end of the first opticaltransport component comprises the steps of positioning the at leastfirst source of optical radiation adjacent an exterior radial surface ofthe first buffer component; and directing at least a portion of theradiation emanating from the source of optical radiation into the firstbuffer component of the first optical transport component such that theradiation is coupled into the first propagation component and ispropagated within the first propagation component toward at least one ofthe first end or the second end of the first propagation component dueat least to total internal reflection between the first propagationcomponent and the second component.

[0010] In yet a further exemplary embodiment, an optical connector fortransferring radiation comprises a first optical transport componentincluding a first propagation component and a first buffer component,the first buffer component radially overlaying the first propagationcomponent, the first optical transport component configured to propagateoptical radiation in generally a first direction toward a first end ofthe first optical transport component; a second optical transportcomponent including a second propagation component and a second buffercomponent, the second buffer component radially overlaying the secondpropagation component, the second optical transport component configuredto propagate optical radiation in generally a second direction toward asecond end of the second optical transport component, the second opticaltransport component being positioned such that the second direction isnot parallel to the first direction; and a radiation directing componentlocated proximate to the first end of the first optical transportcomponent and proximate to an exterior surface of the buffer componentof the second optical transport component, the radiation directingcomponent configured to redirect the optical radiation propagatinggenerally in the first direction through the exterior surface of thesecond optical transport into the second propagation component such thatthe optical radiation is propagated within second optical transportcomponent generally along the second direction of the second opticaltransport component.

[0011] Additional features of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments particularlyrefers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of asolar collector including a radiation directing component, a buffercomponent, and a propagation component;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the solar collector of FIG. 1corresponding to the solar collector in an assembled configuration;

[0015]FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment ofa solar collector including a radiation directing component, a firstbuffer component, a propagation component, and a second buffercomponent;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the solar collector of FIG. 3corresponding to the solar collector in an assembled configuration;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a solarcollector including a radiation directing component, a propagationcomponent, and a buffer component, the buffer component surrounding thepropagation component except for at least a first surface of thepropagation component;

[0018]FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic representation of a non-trackingembodiment of the present invention including a solar collector coupledto an energy converting component;

[0019]FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic representation of a tracking embodimentof the present invention including a solar collector coupled to a frameand to an energy converting component, the frame and the solar collectorbeing moveable and positionable by a tracking component;

[0020]FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic representation of a tracking embodimentof the present invention including a solar collector, coupled to anenergy converting component, the solar collector and the energyconverting component being coupled to a frame, the frame, solarcollector, and energy converting component being moveable andpositionable by a tracking component;

[0021]FIG. 7A is top view of the solar collector of FIG. 5 coupled to asecond solar collector and an optical transport component through anadaptor component, the adapter component tapering from a generallyquadrilateral cross-section to a generally circular cross-section;

[0022]FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of the solar collector and secondsolar collector of FIG. 7A;

[0023]FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the solar collector of FIG. 7Ashowing the adapter and the optical transport component in an explodedconfiguration;

[0024]FIG. 7D is a side view of the solar collector of FIG. 7A and asecond solar collector having a generally circular cross-section;

[0025]FIG. 7E is a side view of a first and a second solar collectorcoupled to an intermediate solar collector, the intermediate solarcollector having a first radiation directing component for coupling thefirst solar collector and a second radiation directing component forcoupling the second solar collector;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a schematic, side, elevational representation of abuilding having a plurality of solar collectors affixed to a roof of thebuilding;

[0027]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a solarsheeting, the solar sheeting comprising a solar collector coupled to anattachment component;

[0028]FIG. 9B is an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment ofa solar sheeting, the solar sheeting comprising a solar collector and anattachment component;

[0029]FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a solar collectorincluding a plurality of radiation directing components positionedwithin a first buffer component, a propagation component, and a secondbuffer component;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the solar collector of FIG. 10corresponding to the solar collector in an assembled configuration;

[0031]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary optical connectorin an assembled configuration;

[0032]FIG. 12B is an exploded, perspective view of the optical connectorof FIG. 12A;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of an optical network; and

[0034]FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of an optical transport componentfor connecting two solar collectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a radiation or solarcollector 100 is shown. Solar collector 100 includes a radiation orlight directing component 110, a buffering component 120, and apropagation component 130. As described in detail below, radiation orlight directing component 110 is configured to redirect at least aportion of the incident solar radiation 140 on solar collector 100 intopropagation component 130, propagation component 130 is configured tocollect the portion of solar radiation redirected by light directingcomponent 110, and buffer component 120 is configured to opticallyseparate light directing component 110 and propagation component 130 andto retain the collected radiation in propagation component 130.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic cross-section of an assembledsolar collector 100 is shown, along with the interaction of incidentsolar rays 140 a, and 140 b with solar collector 100. Rays 140 a and 140b are representative of the incident solar radiation. Although lightrays 140 a and 140 b are generally incident on solar collector 100 froma direction 139, it is understood that the incident solar radiation maybe from one or more additional directions. In the illustratedembodiment, light directing component 110 and buffer component 120, aswell as buffer component 120 and propagation component 130 are coupledtogether with at least one of a variety of optical adhesives known inthe art for coupling optic media. Exemplary optical adhesives includeoptical epoxies and optical cements. Exemplary optical epoxies includeepoxies available from MasterBond, Inc. located at 154 Hobart Street inHackensack, N.J. 07601 and exemplary cements from Summers Opticallocated at 321 Morris Road, PO Box 162 in Fort Washington, Pa. 19034. Itis preferred to use optical adhesives which are index matching adhesiveswhich have an index of refraction in close approximation to at least oneof the components being coupled together. It is preferred to use opticaladhesives which are configured for use in applications that are exposedto long durations of solar radiation.

[0038] Radiation or light directing component 110 is configured toredirect solar radiation incident from at least a first direction 139,as represented by rays 140 a and 140 b along at least a second direction143 into buffer component 120, as represented by rays 142 a and 142 b.Rays 142 a and 142 b propagate through buffer component 120 and areincident on propagation component 130 at an angle, θ_(142a) andθ_(142b), respectively, with the normal of an interface 124 betweenbuffer component 120 and propagation component 130 such that rays 142 aand 142 b are refracted into propagation component 130 as light rays 144a and 144 b. Light rays 144 a and 144 b propagate in propagationcomponent 130 generally in a direction 141 toward a first end 132 ofsolar collector 100. The direction of light rays 142 a and 142 b, aswell as, the properties of buffer component 120 and propagationcomponent 130 are chosen such that light rays 144 a and 144 b areretained within propagation component 130 at subsequent interactionswith interface 124 between buffer component 120 and propagationcomponent 130 and a lower interface 126 between propagation component130 and the outside medium, such as air. In one example, light rays 144a and 144 b are retained within propagation component 130 bysubstantially total internal reflection. In another example, interface126 includes a reflection coating (not shown), such as a mirroredsurface, and light rays 144 a and 144 b are retained within propagationcomponent 130 due to being reflected by the reflection coating oninterface 126. In another example, light rays 144 a and 144 b areretained in propagation component 130 due to at least one of totalinternal reflection and reflection from a reflection coating. In yet afurther example, at least one edge surface 121 and 131, of either orboth buffer component 120 and propagation component 130 includes areflection coating to retain solar radiation in buffer component 120 andpropagation component 130. However, it should be noted that solarradiation may also be retained in propagation component 130 at surface131 and buffer component 120 at surface 121 due to total internalreflection.

[0039] Light directing component 10, in a first embodiment, includes aholographic element, such as a film hologram or a volume hologram. In asecond embodiment, light directing component 110 includes a diffractiongrating or ruling. The design of holographic elements and/or diffractiongratings or rulings to redirect light incident from at least a firstdirection 139, such as the direction of light rays 140 a and 140 b inFIG. 2, along at least a second direction 143, such as the direction oflight rays 142 a and 142 b is known.

[0040] Holographic elements are generally configured to redirectradiation that has a wavelength band approximate in value to thewavelength used to record the holographic element. Since solar radiationincludes radiation at many different wavelengths, including the entirevisible spectrum, it is preferred to use holographic elements which areconfigured to redirect incident radiation from multiple wavelength bandsalong at least the second direction 143. In one example, light directingcomponent 110 contains multiple layered holographic elements, eachholographic element being configured to redirect radiation approximateto a different wavelength band. In another example, multiple wavelengthsare used in the recording of light directing component 110 in a singlefilm. Light directing component 110 includes a plurality of fringepatterns each created by a recording beam pair having a differentrecording wavelength such that the resultant light directing componentis capable of redirecting radiation from several different wavelengths.

[0041] Further, holographic elements are generally configured toredirect radiation that is incident from one of the directions used torecord the holographic element, the directions of the recording beampairs. Since solar radiation is incident on solar collector 100 fromdirections in addition to first direction 139, it is preferred to useholographic elements which are configured to redirect radiation frommultiple incident directions including direction 139 along at leastsecond direction 143 or other directions that allow the radiation to bepropagated within the corresponding propagation component 130 by totalinternal reflection and/or reflection from a reflection coating. In oneexample, light directing component 110 contains multiple layeredholographic elements, each holographic element being configured toredirect radiation from a different given incident direction such thatthe radiation is propagated in the propagation component by totalinternal reflection and/or reflection from a reflection coating. Inanother example, light directing component 110 includes a plurality offringe patterns in a single film produced by recording a plurality ofrecording beams pairs each of which interfere to produce a holographicstructure which will accept light from a range of input angles andoutput the light into a different range of angles chosen such that theoutput light is coupled into the propagation component.

[0042] Diffraction gratings and ruling can also be configured toredirect radiation of several wavelength bands and radiation fromseveral incident directions into the propagation component such that theradiation is propagated in the propagation component by total internalreflection and/or reflection from a reflection coating. For example, thespacing of the grating can be varied either along a lateral extent ofthe grating or by placing gratings having different spacing adjacenteach other.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, buffer component 120 is arefractive media having at least a first index of refraction, denoted asn₁₂₀, propagation component 130 is a refractive media having at least asecond index of refraction, denoted as n₁₃₀, and the index of refractionof the outside media at the lower interface 126 is denoted as n_(out).Both buffer component 120 and propagation component 130 are manufacturedfrom materials having a high degree of optical transmission and lowadsorption properties. Further, the index of refraction of propagationcomponent 130, n₁₃₀, has a greater value than the index of refraction ofbuffer component 120, n₁₂₀, and the index of refraction of the outsidemedium, n_(out), thereby permitting total internal reflection of thesolar radiation in propagation component 130.

[0044] In one example propagation component 130 includes a refractivemedia such as a suitable plastic or glass and buffer component 120includes a refractive media having a low index of refraction thanpropagation component 130, the buffer refractive media being a suitableplastic, glass, liquid or air. In another example the propagationcomponent or the propagation component and the buffer component have agraded-index profile.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, as already noted, light rays 140 a and 140 bare incident from at least a first direction 139 and are redirected bylight directing component 110 along at least second direction 143 aslight rays 142 a and 142 b. Further, light rays 142 a and 142 b arerefracted into propagation component 130 as light rays 144 a and 144 band subsequent rays, such as 146 a and 146 b and 148 a and 148 b. Thepropagation of light ray 144 b is governed by the same principles aslight ray 144 a. As such, it is understood that the following discussionof the propagation of light ray 144 a is representative of light rays144 a and 144 b, as well as additional lightrays.

[0046] The direction of light ray 144 a in propagation component 130relative to the normal of interface 124 at the point of entry of lightray 144 a is governed by the equation:

n ₁₂₀ Sin(θ_(142n))=n ₁₃₀ Sin(θ_(144al))  (1)

[0047] Light ray 144 a travels through propagation component 130 and isincident on interface 126 at an angle θ_(144a2) with respect to thenormal of interface 126 at the point of incidence of light ray 144 a. Atinterface 126 light ray 144 a will be either refracted into the outsidemedia or be reflected within propagation component 130 as light ray 146a. The direction of light ray 146 a is governed by the equation:

n ₁₃₀ Sin(θ_(144n2))=n _(out) Sin(θ_(out))  (2)

[0048] The angle θ_(out) corresponds to the angle light ray 146 a wouldmake with the normal of interface 126 at the point of incidence of lightray 144 a if light ray 146 a is refracted into the outside media,n_(out).

[0049] Light ray 146 a may be retained within propagation component 130by either reflection from a reflection coating (not shown) at interface126 or by total internal reflection at interface 126. In order for lightray 146 a to be totally internally reflected within propagationcomponent 130, θ_(out) must be equal to or greater than 90°, such thatθ_(146al) is less than or equal to 90°. The value of θ_(out) may begreater than or equal to 90° when n_(out) is less than n₁₃₀ . As such,in order for light ray 146 a to be totally internally reflected thefollowing restriction should be satisfied: $\begin{matrix}{\theta_{144{a2}} \geq {{{Sin}^{- 1}\left( \frac{n_{out}}{n_{130}} \right)}\quad {where}\quad n_{out}} < n_{130}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

[0050] Therefore, as long as θ_(144a2) is greater than or equal to thequantity Sin⁻¹(n_(out)/n₁₃₀), light ray 144 a is totally internallyreflected within propagation component 130 as light ray 146 a. However,if θ_(144a2) is less than the quantity Sin⁻¹(n_(out)/n₁₃₀), light ray144 a may still be reflected into propagation component 130 due to areflection coating at interface 126. As seen from equation (3), thedifference in value of n_(out) and n₁₃₀ controls the range of acceptableangles, θ_(144a2), for total internal reflection. Table 1 shows thedifference in acceptable angles, θ_(144a2), for various exemplarycombinations of n_(out) and n₁₃₀. TABLE 1 Comparison of Acceptableangles for total internal reflection n_(out) = 1.0 (air) n₁₃₀ = 1.49(acrylic) θ_(144a2) ≧ 42.2° n_(out) = 1.0 (air) n₁₃₀ = 1.586(polycarbonate) θ_(144a2) ≧ 39.1° n_(out) = 1.49 (acrylic) n₁₃₀ = 1.586(polycarbonate) θ_(144a2) ≧ 70.0° n_(out) = 1.49 (acrylic) n₁₃₀ = 2.02(glass N-LASF35)* θ_(144a2) ≧ 47.5°

[0051] As seen in Table 1, the larger the difference in n_(out) and n₁₃₀the greater range of acceptable angles, θ_(144a2), that satisfy thecondition of equation (3).

[0052] In the same manner light ray 146 a is totally internallyreflected at interface 124 as light ray 148 a when θ_(146a2) is greaterthan or equal to the quantity Sin⁻¹(n₁₂₀/n₁₃₀) as expressed in equation(4). $\begin{matrix}{\theta_{146{a2}} \geq {{{Sin}^{- 1}\left( \frac{n_{120}}{n_{130}} \right)}\quad {where}\quad n_{120}} < n_{130}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

[0053] As such, light ray 144 a remains in propagation component 130 andpropagates toward first end 132 of propagation component 130 as long asthe relations in equations (3) and (4) are satisfied. It is understoodthat subsequent rays such as light ray 148 a are retained in propagationcomponent 130 as light ray 150 a by reflection from a reflection coatingor by total internal reflection.

[0054] It should be noted that although solar collector 100 is shown inFIG. 2 as a planar device, the invention is not limited to planar solarcollectors nor are equations (3) and (4). On the contrary, in oneembodiment, solar collector 100 is made of flexible material such thatlight directing component 110, buffer component 120 and propagationcomponent 130 are not rigid, but able to bend. Further, propagationcomponent 130 may be tapered such that an overall height or width ofpropagation component 130 is reduced or enlarged. However, in order forthe solar collector to capture solar radiation in propagation component130 and have that solar radiation propagate towards first end 132, thedegree of bend of propagation component 130 and buffer component 120 orthe degree of tapering of propagation component 130 is restricted by theangular requirement for total internal reflection given above inequations (3) and (4).

[0055] Further, in one variation, solar collector 100 includes aprotective layer of material (not shown) that protects light directingcomponent 110 from direct exposure to the elements and other sources ofpossible damage.

[0056] In one embodiment of solar collector 100, light directingcomponent 110 is configured to redirect incident solar radiation byreflection instead of transmission. As such, incident solar radiationfrom a direction 145, shown in FIG. 2 passes through propagationcomponent 130 and buffer component 120 and is incident on lightdirecting component 110. Light directing component 110 is configured toredirect the incident solar radiation back through buffer component 120and wherein the solar radiation is retained in propagation component 130due to at least total internal reflection. In one example lightdirecting component 110 includes a holographic element configured toreflect the incident solar radiation.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, a solar collector 200 is shown. Solarcollector 200 is generally identical to solar collector 100 andcomprises a light directing component 210, a first buffer component 220,a propagation component 230, and a second buffer component 260 which iscoupled to the lower side of propagation component 230. Light directingcomponent 210, in one example, includes a holographic element. Lightdirecting component 210, in another example, includes a diffractiongrating or ruling. Propagation component 230, in one example, is made ofa refractive media such as a suitable plastic or glass or liquid. Buffercomponents 220 and 260, in one example, are comprised of a refractivemedia having a lower index of refraction than propagation component 230such as a plastic material, a glass material, a liquid, or air.

[0058] Light directing component 210, first buffer component 220,propagation component 230 and second buffer component 260 are coupledtogether with a suitable optical adhesive. Second buffer component 260provides protection to propagation component 230 to minimize potentialdamage to propagation component 230. Further, as indicated in FIG. 4,second buffer component 260 has an index of refraction, n₂₆₀, which isequal to the index of refraction of first buffer component 220, n₂₂₀. Assuch, the range of acceptable angles, θ_(244a2) and θ_(246a2) for totalinternal reflection, are the same for both interface 224 and interface226. In one embodiment, interface 226 between propagation component 230and second buffer component 260 includes a reflection coating to reflectrays not within the range of acceptable angles. In another embodiment,surfaces 221, 231, and 261 of first buffer component 220, propagationcomponent 230, and second buffer component 260 include a reflectioncoating.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, light rays 240 a and 240 b are redirected bylight directing component 210 from at least a first direction 239 alongat least a second direction 243 as light rays 242 a and 242 b. Further,light rays 242 a and 242 b are refracted into propagation component 230as light rays 244 a and 244 b and subsequent rays, such as 246 a and 246b and 248 a and 248 b. The propagation of light ray 244 b is governed bythe same principles as light ray 244 a. As such, it is understood thatthe following discussion of the propagation of light ray 244 a isrepresentative of light rays 244 a and 244 b, as well as additionallight rays.

[0060] The direction of light ray 244 a in propagation component 230relative to the normal of interface 224 at the point of entry of lightray 244 a is governed by the equation:

n ₂₃₀ Sin(θ_(242a))=n ₂₃₀ Sin(θ_(244al))  (5)

[0061] Light ray 244 a travels through propagation component 230 and isincident on interface 226 at an angle θ_(244a2) with respect to thenormal of interface 226 at the point of incidence of light ray 244 a. Atinterface 226 light ray 244 a will be either refracted into secondbuffer component 260 or be reflected within propagation component 230 aslight ray 246 a. The direction of light ray 246 a is governed by theequation:

n ₂₃₀ Sin(θ_(244a2))=n ₂₆₀ Sin(θ₂₆₀)  (6)

[0062] The angle θ₂₆₀ corresponds to the angle light ray 246 a wouldmake with the normal of interface 226 at the point of incidence of lightray 244 a if light ray 244 a is refracted into second buffer component260. In order for light ray 246 a to be totally internally reflectedwithin propagation component 230, θ₂₆₀ must be equal to or greater than90°, such that θ_(246al) is less than or equal to 90°. The value of θ₂₆₀may be greater than or equal to 90° when n₂₆₀ is less than n₂₃₀. Assuch, in order for light ray 246 a to be totally internally reflectedthe following restriction should be satisfied: $\begin{matrix}{\theta_{244{a2}} \geq {{{Sin}^{- 1}\left( \frac{n_{260}}{n_{230}} \right)}\quad {where}\quad n_{260}} < n_{230}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

[0063] Therefore, as long as θ_(244a2) is greater than or equal to thequantity Sin⁻¹(n₂₆₀/n₂₃₀), light ray 244 a is totally internallyreflected within propagation component 230 as light ray 246 a. As seenfrom equation (7), the difference in value of n₂₃₀ and n₂₆₀ controls therange of acceptable angles, θ_(244a2), for total internal reflection.The larger the difference in n₂₆₀ and n₂₃₀ the greater range ofacceptable angles, θ_(244a2), that satisfy the condition of equation(7).

[0064] In the same manner light ray 246 a is totally internallyreflected at interface 224 as light ray 248 a when θ_(246a2) is greaterthan or equal to the quantity Sin⁻¹(n₂₂₀/n₂₃₀) as expressed in equation(8). $\begin{matrix}{\theta_{146{a2}} \geq {{{Sin}^{- 1}\left( \frac{n_{220}}{n_{230}} \right)}\quad {where}\quad n_{220}} < n_{230}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

[0065] As such, light ray 244 a and subsequent light rays 246 a, 248 a,and 250 a remain in propagation component 230 and propagates towardfirst end 232 of propagation component 230 generally in direction 241 aslong as the relations in equations (7) and (8) are satisfied. Whenn₂₆₀=n₂₂₀, equations (7) and (8) provide identical ranges of acceptableangles.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, a solar collector 300 is shown. Solarcollector 300 comprises a light directing component 310, a buffercomponent 320, and a propagation component 330. Solar collector 300 isgenerally identical to solar collector 100 and solar collector 200.Light directing component 310, in one example, includes at least oneholographic element. Light directing component 310, in another example,includes at least one diffraction grating or ruling. Propagationcomponent 330, in one example, includes a refractive media such as asuitable plastic or glass or liquid. Buffer component 320, in oneexample, includes a refractive media having a lower index of refractionthan propagation component 330 such as a plastic material, a glassmaterial, a liquid, or air.

[0067] The buffer component 320 of solar collector 300 includes a topportion 322, a bottom portion 324, a first side portion 326, a secondside portion 328, and a rear portion 329 which provide a constantinterface around the entire propagation component 330 except for aportion 332 located at a first end 302 of solar collector 300. Lightdirecting component 310 is configured to redirect incident solarradiation from at least a first direction 339, denoted by rays 340, suchthat the solar radiation is coupled into propagation component 330 andgenerally propagates along direction 342 within propagation component330 due to at least total internal reflection at the interface betweenpropagation component 330 and buffer component 320. The lightpropagating in the general direction 342 exits solar collector 300 fromportion 332 of propagation component 330 at first end 302 of solarcollector 300.

[0068] In one embodiment, buffer component 320 provides a constantinterface around the entire propagation component 330 such thatpropagation component 330 is sealed from the exterior of collector 300and radiation directing component 310 is configured to redirectradiation emanating from an optical source, such as the sun, a laser, alaser diode, or a phosphorescence or fluorescence material. Theradiation from the radiation source is coupled into propagationcomponent 330 by radiation directing component 310 and is retainedwithin propagation component 330 by total internal reflection at theinterface between propagation component 330 and buffer component 320such that the radiation is propagated within propagation component 330in direction 342. The collected radiation at first end 332 ofpropagation component 330 is generally incident on the interface betweenbuffer component 320 and propagation component 330 at an angle such thatthe radiation is refracted or transmitted through buffer component 320and may be subsequently coupled to an output component 340. In oneexample, an output component 340 is positioned proximate to first end332 of propagation component 330 through an opening (not shown) inbuffer component 320.

[0069] In one example the radiation source is a phosphorescence orfluorescence material applied to a lower surface (not shown) of buffercomponent 320 or on top of a radiation directing component configured toredirect the resultant radiation. As such, the radiation produced fromthe phosphorescence or fluorescence material is transmitted through thelower portion 324 of buffer component 320 and is either transmitted intopropagation component 330 at an angle such that it is retained withinpropagation component 330 due to total internal reflection or istransmitted through propagation component 330, the upper portion 322 ofbuffer component 320 and is incident on radiation directing component310. Radiation directing component 310 is configured to reflect theincident radiation back into upper portion 322 of buffer component 320at an angle such that the radiation is transmitted into propagationcomponent 330 and retained within propagation component 330 due to totalinternal reflection.

[0070] In another example, wherein propagation component 330 is sealedwithin buffer component 320. Propagation component 330 includes aphosphorescence or fluorescence material and radiation directingcomponent 310 is configured to pass incident radiation from at leastdirection 339 such that at least a portion of the incident radiation istransmitted into propagation component 330. The incident radiationexcites or otherwise causes the phosphorescence or fluorescence materialto emit radiation. The emitted radiation is either propagated withinpropagation component 330 generally in direction 342 due to totalinternal reflection or is transmitted out of propagation component 330,through buffer component 320 and is incident on radiation directingcomponent 310. The emitted radiation is redirected or reflected byradiation directing component 310 back through buffer component 320 andinto propagation component 330 such that the emitted radiation ispropagated within propagation component 330 generally in direction 342due to total internal reflection. In one variation, radiation directingcomponent 310 is positioned on multiple exterior surfaces of buffercomponent 320.

[0071] Solar collectors 100, 200, and 300 are manufactured in oneembodiment from extrudable material such as various plastics. Exemplaryextruded plastics include extruded acrylics and extruded polycarbonatesavailable from Bay Plastics Ltd located at Unit H1, High Flatworth, TyneTunnel Trading Estate, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, in the UnitedKingdom. In the case of solar collectors 100, 200, 300 the propagationcomponents 130, 230, and 330 and the buffer components 120, 220, 260,and 320 are extruded separately and then assembled. In one example, thevarious layers are coupled together with a suitable optical adhesive. Inanother example, the various layers are coupled together by pressing thelayers into contact with each other while the layers are at an elevatedtemperature to “thermal weld” the various layers together. In analternative method, propagation component 330 of solar collector 300 isfirst extruded and then buffer component 320 is extruded overpropagation component 330.

[0072] Light directing component 110, 210, and 310 in one embodiment isthen coupled to the respective assembled buffer components 120, 220, and320 with a suitable optical adhesive. In another embodiment, lightdirecting component 110, 210, and 310 is formed on a top surface ofbuffer component 120, 220, and 320. One example of light directingcomponent 110, 210, and 310 being formed on buffer component 120, 220,and 320 is the stamping or pressing of a diffraction grating or rulingpattern in the top surface of buffer component 120, 220, and 320.

[0073] In other embodiments of solar collectors 100, 200, and 300, thesolar collectors are assembled from cast components, such as castacrylic, or a combination of cast components and extruded components orfrom optical components manufactured by various other manufacturingprocesses. Exemplary cast acrylic components include HESA-GLAS from NotzPlastics AG and available from G-S Plastic Optics located 23 EmmettStreet in Rochester, N.Y. 14605.

[0074] Once the solar radiation reaches the first end of solar collector100, solar collector 200 or solar collector 300, the solar radiationexits the respective propagation component 130, 230, 330 and is coupledto an output component 340 as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 6A. Outputcomponent 340 is configured to receive the solar radiation exitingpropagation component 330 and to transport and/or otherwise utilize thesolar radiation. Example output components include energy convertingcomponent 342, a second solar collector 344, and an optical transportcomponent 346.

[0075] Energy converting component 342 is configured to convert thesolar radiation into another form of energy for storage or use. Exampleenergy converting components 342 include any photoelectrical transducer,or any photochemical transducer, or any type of radiation detector. Anexample photoelectrical transducer is a photovoltaic cell or solar cell.An example photochemical transducer is a synthetic chlorophyll which canabsorb the supplied radiation to produce fuels such as oxygen orhydrogen. Example radiation detectors include silicon detectorsavailable from Edmund Industrial Optics located at 101 East GloucesterPike, in Barrington, N.J./USA 08007.

[0076] Second solar collector 344 includes a light directing componentgenerally similar to light directing components 110, 210, 310, a buffercomponent generally similar to buffer components 120, 220, 260, 320, anda propagation component generally similar to propagation components 130,230, 330. Second solar collector 344 is configured to receive solarradiation exiting propagation component 330 of solar collector 300 fromat least a first direction, such as direction 341 in FIG. 7A and toredirect the solar radiation along at least a second direction, such asdirection 343 in FIG. 7A. In one example, the light directing componentof solar collector 344 is configured to receive solar radiation frommultiple directions corresponding to the multiple directions of totallyinternally reflected light rays within propagation component 330.Alternatively, second solar collector 344 is abutted to first end 302 ofsolar collector 300 and is configured to receive solar radiation exitingthe propagation component of solar collector 300 from at least a firstdirection directly into the propagation component of solar collector 344such that the solar radiation propagates within solar collector 344along with additional solar radiation being redirected and propagated bysolar collector 344.

[0077] Optical transport component 346 is configured to transport thesolar radiation exiting propagation component 330 to a remote location.Optical transport component 346 operates similar to fiber optics andincludes a buffer component, such as buffer component 320, and apropagation component, such as propagation component 330 of solarcollector 300.

[0078] Referring to 6B, solar collector 300 in another embodiment iscoupled to a frame 348 and is coupled to an output component 340. Frame348 is coupled to a tracking component 350 which is configured to moveand position solar collector 300. Referring to 6C, solar collector 300is coupled to output component 340 and both solar collector 300 andoutput component 340 are coupled to frame 348. Frame 348 is coupled to atracking component 350 which is configured to move and position solarcollector 300. Tracking component 350 is configured to move solarcollector 300 such that solar collector 300 is capable of tracking thesun throughout a given day and various seasons of the year. Trackingcomponent 350 comprises a positioning component 352, such as a motor,and a controller 354, such as a computer. Controller 354 is configuredto control positioning component 352 and hence the movement of solarcollector 300. In one example controller 354 executes instructions fromeither software or hardware which provide the preferred position ofsolar collector 300 for a given time of day and a given time of theyear.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, a first example configuration of solarcollector 300 is shown wherein solar collector 300 is coupled to solarcollector 344 which in turn is coupled to optical transport component346. Incident solar radiation 360 is redirected by light directingcomponent 310 such that the solar radiation is propagated in propagationcomponent 330 generally in a direction 341. The solar radiation exitspropagation component 330 from portion 332 of propagation component 330and is incident on light directing component 370 of solar collector 344.Light directing component 370 is configured to redirect the solarradiation from propagation component 330 through buffer component 380and into propagation component 384 such that the solar radiation ispropagated within propagation component 384 generally along direction343.

[0080] The solar radiation exits propagation component 384 at portion386 of propagation component 384 and is coupled into optical transportcomponent 346 through an adapter 381. Adapter 381 includes a propagationcomponent 387 and a buffer component 389. In one example, propagationcomponent 387 and propagation component 384 have approximately the sameindex of refraction and buffer component 389 and buffer component 380have approximately the same index of refraction. Adapter 381 isconfigured to propagate the solar radiation from a first end 383 to asecond end 385 by retaining the solar radiation within propagationcomponent 392 due to total internal reflection. Further, in theillustrated embodiment adapter 381 is configured to mate with agenerally quadrilateral cross-section of solar collector 344 at firstend 383 of adapter 381 and to mate with a generally circularcross-section of a first end 391 of optical transport component 346 atsecond end 385 of adapter 381. It should be understood that adapter 381is configured to couple together two components having dissimilar crosssections. Further, adapter 381 may be used in conjunction with couplers616 and 624 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B and described below.

[0081] Optical transport component 346 includes a propagation component392 and a buffer component 394. In one example, propagation component392 and propagation component 387 have the same index of refraction andbuffer component 394 and buffer component 389 have the same index ofrefraction. Optical transport component 346 is configured to propagatethe solar radiation to a remote location by retaining the solarradiation within propagation component 392 due to total internalreflection.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7D, solar collector 344 is replaced by solarcollector 344′ which operates generally identical to solar collector344. Solar collector 344′ differs from solar collector 344 in thatpropagation component 384′, buffer component 380′, and light directingcomponent 370′ are generally cylindrical in shape. As shown in FIG. 7Dfirst end 332 of solar collector 300 has been modified to have a concaveextent configured to mate with light directing component 370′ of solarcollector 344′. In one embodiment, solar collector 344′ is made from anoptical transport component 346 having a generally circularcross-section along its extent and a light directing component 370′coupled to a portion of buffer component 394 of optical transportcomponent 346.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7E, solar collector 344′ is formed from acircular optical transport component 346 having two light directingcomponents 370 a and 370 b. Light directing component 370 a isconfigured to receive solar radiation from solar collector 300 apropagating in direction 347 and light directing component 370 b isconfigured to receive solar radiation from solar collector 300 bpropagating in direction 341.

[0084] In some applications, the solar collectors of the presentinvention are used on surfaces of buildings, such as roofs, or exteriorwalls to collect solar radiation and to provide the solar radiation toan output component or for lighting applications. Referring to FIG. 8, aside, elevational, schematic representation of a plurality of solarcollectors 400 affixed to a roof 422 of a building 421 is shown. Solarcollectors 400 are generally similar to solar collectors 100, 200, and300. As stated previously the radiation collected by solar collector 400is coupled into an output component 340. As illustrated in FIG. 8, solarcollectors 400 are coupled through additional solar collectors (notshown) to optical transport components 445 a, 445 b. Optical transportcomponents 445 a, 445 b in turn transport the solar energy collected bysolar collectors 400 to a remote location, such as an interior 423 ofbuilding 421 as shown in FIG. 8. As such, optical transport components445 a, 445 b provide the solar radiation for remote lightingapplications or for coupling to an output component 340, such as anenergy converting component 342. It is therefore possible with thepresent invention to collect solar radiation at a relatively hightemperature environment and to transport that radiation to a relativelylower temperature environment. As such, energy converting component 342can be supplied with adequate amounts of solar radiation and also bepositioned in an environment that correlates to a preferred operatingcondition of energy converting component 342.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9A, a first embodiment of solar collector 400is shown. Solar collector 400 is configured as an alternative toconventional shingles, for use on roof 422. Solar collector 400 operatesgenerally identical to solar collectors 100, 200, 300 and includes alight directing component 410, a buffer component 420, and a propagationcomponent 430. Further, solar collector 400 includes an attachmentcomponent 440 configured to receive fastening components (not shown),such as nails, screws or staples, to secure solar collector to roof 422of building 421. Attachment component 440 is made of a material suitablefor accepting fastening components and securing solar collector 400 toroof 422 of building 421.

[0086] Since solar collector 400 is secured to roof 422, light directingcomponent 410 is configured to receive solar radiation from multipledirections and to redirect the incident radiation such that it ispropagated within propagation component 430. Further, light directingcomponent 410 is configured to receive solar radiation corresponding tomultiple wavelengths. Solar collector 400 further includes a protectivecomponent (not shown) which overlays at least light directing component410 to protect light directing component 410 from the elements and otherpotential sources of damage. The protective component is comprised of amaterial that has good optical transmission properties and is generallyweather-resistant. In an alternative embodiment, light directingcomponent 410 is positioned below buffer component 420 to protect lightdirecting component 410 from the elements.

[0087] When a plurality of solar collectors 400 are positioned on roof422, as shown in FIG. 8, a bottom portion 442 of buffer component 420 ofa first solar collector overlaps a top portion 444 of attachmentcomponent 440 of an adjacent and lower solar collector, similar to howconventional shingles overlap when positioned on roof 422. In onevariation of solar collector 400, either top portion 444 of attachmentcomponent 440 or bottom portion 442 of buffer component 420 has anadhesive applied thereto to assist in securing adjacent overlappingsolar collectors 400 to each other.

[0088] In another embodiment of solar collector 400, attachmentcomponent 440 is replaced with an attachment component 460. Attachmentcomponent 460 includes a first portion 462 to receive light directingcomponent 410, buffer component 420 and propagation component 430 ofsolar collector 400, the optical component, and a second portion 464 toreceive fastening components (not shown) to secure solar collector 400to roof 422. Portion 462 of attachment component 460 is recessedrelative to portion 464 such that light directing component 410 isgenerally flush with portion 464 of attachment component 460. Lowerportion 442 of buffer component 420 is secured to a top surface 466 ofattachment component 460 with an adhesive.

[0089] In one variation of solar collector 400, attachment component 440or attachment component 460 are colored to given the appearance oftraditional shingles or other roofing or building materials such thatthe roof appears aesthetically the same as a traditional roof. Further,a top surface 468 of solar collector 400 includes indicia (not shown) togive the appearance of the tabs of traditional shingles.

[0090] In another variation of solar collector 400, solar collector 400is made from one or more flexible materials. As such, solar collector400 is capable of being distributed as a roll of material that isapplied to roof 422 by unrolling the roll on roof 422 to extend along anextent of roof 422, as a first row of “solar sheeting”. The first row of“solar sheeting” is attached to roof 422 with fastening components.Solar collector 400 is then cut to length such that at least one of theends of solar collector 400 includes a first surface 432 of propagationcomponent 430. An output component 340 (as shown in FIG. 6A), such asenergy converting component 342, another solar collector (not shown), oroptical transport components 445 a and 445 b, is then coupled to the endof solar collector 400 including first surface 432. Next, a second rowof “solar sheeting” are positioned by unrolling the remaining roll ofsolar collector 400 such that a portion of the second row overlays thefirst row and repeating the steps of fastening, trimming and couplingthe second row. This operation is repeated for subsequent rows of “solarsheeting”.

[0091] In some instances, a row of “solar sheeting” is comprised of twoseparate sections of solar collectors, such as pieces from two rolls ofsolar collectors. The two sections of solar collectors may be coupledtogether by trimming the adjacent ends of each solar collector andeither coupling the two sections together with an optical adhesive orcoupling each end of the adjacent ends to an intermediate opticalcoupler, such as an optical transport component. As shown in FIG. 14,two sections of solar collector 400, sections 400 a and 400 b, arecorrected together with an optical transport component 480. Sections 400a and 400 b, each include a respective propagation component 430 a and430 b and a respective buffer component 420 a and 420 b. Opticaltransport component 480 includes a buffer component 482 and apropagation component 484 which is configured to receive light ray 490from propagation component 430 a into propagation component 484 and tosupply the solar radiation to propagation component 430 b in solarcollector 400 b. In one example an optical adhesive is positionedbetween solar collector 400 a and optical transport component 480 andbetween solar collector 400 b and optical transport 480 to couple solarcollector 400 a and 400 b to optical transport 480. In another example,optical transport 480 includes detents (not shown) on surfaces 492 and494 of first elongated end 486 and on surfaces 496 and 498 of secondelongated and 488. The detents are sized and configured to couple solarcollectors 400 a and 400 b to optical transport 480.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a solar collector 500 is shown.Solar collector 500 includes a plurality of light directing components510, a first buffer component 520, a propagation component 530, and asecond buffer component 540. Light directing components 510 arepositioned within first buffer component 520 and oriented at an angle totop surface 522 of first buffer component 520. A lower portion 512 oflight directing components 510 is spaced apart from a lower portion 525of first buffer component 520 such that light directing components 510do not touch propagation component 530. In an alternate embodiment solarcollector 500 is similar to solar collector 100 and does not include asecond buffer component 560.

[0093] Solar collector 500 operates in a similar manner to solarcollectors 100, 200, 300, and 400 of the present invention. Solarradiation, as represented by light ray 550 a, enters first buffercomponent 520 from at least a first direction 539 through top surface522 and is redirected by light directing component 510 along at least asecond direction 543 as light ray 552 a. Light ray 552 a is incident oninterface 524 between first buffer component 520 and propagationcomponent 530 at an angle θ_(552a) and is refracted into propagationcomponent 530 at an angle θ_(554al). Light ray 554 a propagates throughpropagation component 530 and strikes second buffer component 560 at anangle θ_(554a2) at interface 526. The refractive indexes of first buffercomponent 520, propagation component 530, and second buffer component560 as well as the angle of light ray 552 a directed by light directingcomponent 510 are chosen such that angle θ_(554a2) and subsequent angles(θ_(556a2), θ_(55ga2), . . ) satisfy the requirements generallyexpressed in equations 3 and 4, thereby retaining light rays 554 a, 556a, 558 a and subsequent rays within propagation component 530 by totalinternal reflection and propagated generally in direction 541 a towardfirst end 532. Alternatively interface 526 includes a reflection coatingto reflect light rays 554 a and 554 b into propagation component 530. Inyet further alternative embodiments, surfaces 521, 531, 561 of firstbuffer component 520, propagation component 530, and second buffercomponent 560, respectively, include a reflection coating.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, light directing components 510 areshown generally planar. In alternative embodiments the light directingcomponents are concave in shape. The concave shape of the lightdirecting components provides an additional mechanism by which incidentsolar radiation from multiple directions can be coupled into thepropagation component by the light directing components.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12 b multiple optical transportcomponents 346, such as optical transport components 346 a and 346 b maybe coupled together to form an optical connector 600. Optical transportcomponents 346 a and 346 b each include a respective propagationcomponent 384 a and 384 b and buffer components 380 a and 380 b. Opticalconnector 600 is shown as a T-connector, however, optical transportcomponents 346 a and 346 b may be coupled at a variety of angles.Optical connector 600 is configured to couple radiation propagatingwithin propagation component 384 b of optical transport component 384 bgenerally in direction 602 into propagation component 384 a of opticaltransport component 346 a such that the coupled radiation is retainedwithin propagation component 384 a and is propagated generally indirection 604 or in direction 606 or in both direction 604 and direction606 depending on the characteristics of light directing component 610.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 12b, light directing component 610 is coupledto, formed on, or otherwise positioned on surface 612 of opticaltransport component 346 a. Light directing component 610 is furthercoupled to, or formed on, or positioned adjacent to a first end 614 ofoptical transport component 346 b. First end 614 is shown as beingconfigured to match the contour of surface 612 of optical transportcomponent 346 a. However, first end 614 maybe flat, concave, convex, oradditional configurations. In one example, light directing component 610includes a holographic element and is coupled to surface 612 of opticaltransport component 346 a and first end 614 of optical transportcomponent 346 b with an optical adhesive. In another example, opticaltransport component 346 a, optical transport component 346 b and lightdirecting component 610 are formed as an integral optical connector.

[0097] In a further example of optical connector 600, optical transportcomponent 346 a and optical transport component 346 b are furthersecured to light directing component 610 with a coupler 616. Coupler 616includes a first portion 618 and a second portion 620 which areconfigured to wrap around surface 612 of optical transport component 346a and to be adhered to a surface 622 of optical transport component 346b.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 12b, an additional coupler 624 is shown. Coupler624 includes a cylindrical body having an interior surface 628 sized toreceive surface 612 of optical transport component 346 a and a similarsurface of an additional optical transport component (not shown).Optical transport component 346 a may be secured to coupler 624 and theadjacent optical transport component (not shown) with a suitable opticaladhesive.

[0099] In yet another example of optical connector 600, opticaltransport component 346 a and optical transport component 346 b aresecured to a fixture or frame (not shown) and are positioned such thatfirst end 614 of optical transport component 346 b is positionedproximate to surface 612 of optical transport component 346 a. Further,light directing component 610 is either positioned in the space betweenoptical transport component 346 a and optical transport component 346 b,formed on first end 614 of optical transport component 346 b, formed onsurface 612 of optical transport component 346 a, coupled to first end614 of optical transport component 346 b, or coupled to surface 612 ofoptical transport component 346 a.

[0100] It is possible, therefore with optical connectors 600, to have aplurality of optical transport components 346, such as optical transportcomponent 346 b, each having a first end 614 positioned generallyradially to a main optical transport component 346, such as opticaltransport component 346 a. Each of the radially placed optical transportcomponents 346 are optically coupled to main optical transport component346 through a light directing component, such as light directingcomponent 610.

[0101] As such with optical connectors 600 it is possible to create anetwork of optical transport components 346. Referring to FIG. 13, anoptical network 700 is shown. Optical network 700 includes plurality ofsolar collectors 700 a-d, each configured to collect incident radiationand to couple the collected radiation into an optical transportcomponent, such as optical transport components 704 a-d. Each opticaltransport component 704 a-d is configured to transport the collectedradiation. As shown in FIG. 13, optical transport component 704 a and704 b transport the radiation collected by solar collectors 702 a and702 b, respectively, generally in a direction 706 while opticaltransport component 704 c and 704 d transport the radiation collected bysolar collectors 702 c and 702 d, respectively, generally in a direction708.

[0102] Optical transport components 704 a-d, each is coupled to a mainoptical transport component 704 e at connections 710 a-d. Connections710 a-d are configured to couple the radiation transported by opticaltransport component 704 a-d into optical transport component 704 e suchthat the radiation is propagated within optical transport component 704e in either direction 712 or direction 714 or in both direction 712 anddirection 714. Each of connections 710 a-d includes a light directingcomponent (not shown) whose characteristics determines the direction oftravel of the radiation from the corresponding optical transportcomponent 704 a-d within optical transport component 704 e, eitherdirection 712, direction 714 or a combination of direction 712 and 714.In one example, connections 710 a-d include optical connectors 600similar to the optical connectors illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B suchthat optical transport component 704 e is comprised of several segmentsinterconnected with optical connectors 600. In another example,connections 710 a-d include optical connectors 600 as discussed abovewherein optical transport component 704 e is a main optical transportcomponent and optical transport components 704 a-d are radiallypositioned optical transport components.

[0103] Once the radiation transported by optical transport components704 a-d is coupled into optical transport component 704 e, it isdelivered either to another connection, such as connection 710 e or toan end 716 of optical transport component 704 e. As illustrated in FIG.13 connection 710 e couples the radiation propagating in opticaltransport component 704 e in direction 712 into an optical transportcomponent 704 f. The radiation coupled into optical transport component704 f is either propagated generally in direction 706, generally indirection 708, or in generally in both directions 706 and 708 dependingon the characteristics of the light directing component corresponding toconnection 710 e. The radiation coupled into optical transport component704 f is propagated to either a first end 718 or a second end 720 ofoptical transport component 704 f. The radiation propagated to end 716of optical transport component 704 e or first end 718 or second end 720of optical transport component 704 f is then supplied to an outputcomponent, such as output component 340 or for lighting applications.

[0104] Optical network 700 is shown in FIG. 13 for use in the collectionof solar radiation. However, it should be understood that additionaltypes of optical networks are envisioned. For instance, opticalconnectors 600 can be configured to couple multiple optical fiberstogether in an optical network. As such, optical connectors 600 arecapable of use to couple optical signals, such as data signals, from afirst fiber optic cable, such as optical transport component 346 b, intoa second fiber optic cable, such as optical transport component 346 a.

[0105] In one example, light directing component 610 is configured toredirect radiation propagating in optical transport component 346 bhaving a first wavelength, such as 632.8 nanometers, generally alongdirection 604 in optical transport component 346 a and radiation of asecond wavelength different than 632.8 nanometers generally alongdirection 506 in optical transport component 346 a. As such, based onthe wavelength of radiation propagating within optical transportcomponent 346 b light directing component 610 acts as an optical switchto send radiation of a first wavelength along first direction 604 ofoptical transport component 346 a or a first optical circuit andradiation of a second wavelength along second direction 606 of opticaltransport component 346 a or a second optical circuit. Further, ifradiation containing both the first and the second wavelengths ispropagating within optical transport component 346 b as first and seconddata signals, light directing component 610 acts as an optical separatoror filter by sending radiation of a first wavelength, the first datasignal, along first direction 604 of optical transport component 346 aand radiation of a second wavelength, the second data signal, alongsecond direction 606 of optical transport component 346 a. Although theabove example discusses the use of optical connector 600 as an opticalswitch or optical separator for two distinct wavelengths, it iscontemplated that optical connector 600 can be used as an opticalconnector, an optical switch, or an optical separator for one, two,three or more distinct wavelengths.

[0106] In another example, optical transport component 346 b is replacedwith an optical source, such as a laser, a laser diode, a light-emittingdiode, photochemical radiation sources such as a phosphorescence orfluorescence material, or other radiation producing component. As such,the radiation produced by the optical source is coupled into opticaltransport component 346 a through light directing component 610.

[0107] Although the invention has been described in detail withreference to certain illustrated embodiments, variations andmodifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present inventionas described and defined in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A collector for collecting radiation incident on thecollector from at least a first direction, the collector comprising: apropagation component configured to transmit radiation and having afirst end and at least a first refractive index; a buffer componentcoupled to the propagation component and configured to transmitradiation and having at least a second refractive index, the secondrefractive index being less than the first refractive index of thepropagation component; and a radiation directing component coupled tothe buffer component and configured to redirect the incident radiationfrom the at least first direction along at least a second directiondifferent than the first direction within the buffer component, suchthat the radiation enters the propagation component and is propagatedwithin the propagation component toward a first end of the propagationcomponent by at least total internal reflection.
 2. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein the radiation is solar radiation and wherein the buffercomponent is positioned relative to the propagation component and theradiation directing component, such that the solar radiation propagatingin the propagation component is prevented from interacting with theradiation directing component.
 3. The collector of claim 2, wherein thepropagation component is surrounded by the buffer component, except forthe first end of the propagation component.
 4. The collector of claim 2,wherein the solar radiation at the first end of the propagationcomponent exits the propagation component and is coupled into an outputcomponent.
 5. The collector of claim 4, wherein the output component isa second collector comprising a second propagation component configuredto transmit the solar radiation exiting the propagation component andhaving at least a third refractive index; a second buffer componentcoupled to the second propagation component and configured to transmitthe solar radiation exiting the propagation component and having atleast a fourth refractive index, the fourth refractive index being lessthan the third refractive index of the second propagation component; anda second radiation directing component coupled to the second buffercomponent and configured to redirect the solar radiation exiting thepropagation component from the at least first direction along at least asecond direction within the second buffer component, such that the solarradiation from the propagation component enters the second propagationcomponent and is propagated within the second propagation componenttoward a second end of the second propagation component by at leasttotal internal reflection.
 6. The collector of claim 4, wherein theoutput device is selected from the group consisting of an energyconverting component, a collector, and a transport component.
 7. Thecollector of claim 2, further comprising: a frame coupled to at leastone of the radiation directing component, the propagation component, andthe buffer component; and a tracking component coupled to the frame, thetracking component comprising a positioning component configured to moveand position the radiation directing component, the propagationcomponent, and the buffer component and a controller, the controllerconfigured to instruct the positioning component to position theradiation directing component, the propagation component and the buffercomponent in at least a first position.
 8. The collector of claim 7,wherein the controller is configured to instruct the positioningcomponent such that the radiation directing component, the propagationcomponent and the buffer component track the movement of the sun.
 9. Thecollector of claim 2, wherein the radiation directing component, thebuffer component, and the propagation component are made from respectiveflexible materials.
 10. The collector of claim 2, wherein the radiationdirecting component is configured to receive and redirect solarradiation of at least two wavelength bands.
 11. The collector of claim2, wherein the radiation directing component is configured to receiveand redirect solar radiation from at least one additional direction. 12.The collector of claim 11, wherein the radiation directing component isconfigured to receive and redirect solar radiation of at least twowavelength bands.
 13. The collector of claim 2, wherein the radiationdirecting component includes a holographic element.
 14. The collector ofclaim 2, wherein the radiation directing component includes adiffraction grating.
 15. The collector of claim 12, wherein theradiation directing component includes a holographic element.
 16. Thecollector of claim 12, wherein the radiation directing componentincludes a diffraction grating.
 17. A collector for collecting radiationincident on the collector from at least a first direction, the collectorcomprising: a radiation directing component configured to redirect theincident radiation; a buffer component coupled to the radiationdirecting component and configured to receive the radiation redirectedby the radiation directing component; and a propagation componentcoupled to the buffer component and configured to receive the radiationfrom the buffer component and to propagate the radiation generally in afirst direction toward a first end of the propagation component by atleast total internal reflection, the radiation directing component beingpositioned such that the radiation incident on the collector which isreceived into the propagation component is incident from a directiongenerally not parallel with the first direction of the propagationcomponent.
 18. The collector of claim 17, wherein the buffer componentis positioned relative to the propagation component and the radiationdirecting component, such that the radiation propagating in thepropagation component is isolated from the radiation directingcomponent.
 19. The collector of claim 18, wherein the propagationcomponent is surrounded by the buffer component.
 20. The collector ofclaim 17, wherein the radiation at the first end of the propagationcomponent exits the propagation component and is coupled into an outputcomponent.
 21. The collector of claim 20, wherein the output device isselected from the group consisting of an energy converting component, acollector, and an transport component.
 22. The collector of claim 17,further comprising: a frame coupled to at least one of the radiationdirecting component, the propagation component, and the buffercomponent; and a tracking component coupled to the frame, the trackingcomponent comprising a positioning component configured to move andposition the radiation directing component, the propagation component,and the buffer component and a controller, the controller configured toinstruct the positioning component to position the radiation directingcomponent, the propagation component and the buffer component in atleast a first position.
 23. The collector of claim 22, wherein thecontroller is configured to instruct the positioning component such thatthe radiation directing component, the propagation component and thebuffer component track the movement of a radiation source.
 24. Thecollector of claim 17, wherein the radiation directing component isconfigured to receive and redirect radiation of at least two wavelengthbands.
 25. The collector of claim 17, wherein the radiation directingcomponent is configured to receive and redirect radiation from at leastone additional direction.
 26. The collector of claim 25, wherein theradiation directing component is configured to receive and redirectradiation of at least two wavelength bands.
 27. The collector of claim17, wherein the radiation directing component includes a holographicelement.
 28. The collector of claim 17, wherein the radiation directingcomponent includes a diffraction grating.
 29. The collector of claim 26,wherein the radiation directing component includes a holographicelement.
 30. The collector of claim 26, wherein the radiation directingcomponent includes a diffraction grating.
 31. The collector of claim 17,wherein the radiation directing component is positioned within thebuffer component and is oriented at a first angle relative to a topsurface of the buffer component.
 32. A solar collector configured tocollect incident solar radiation and to be affixed to a surface of abuilding, the solar collector comprising: an optical component having atop surface and a first end, the optical component configured to receivethe incident solar radiation through the top surface and to collect theincident solar radiation at the first end of the optical component; andan attachment component coupled to the optical component, the attachmentcomponent configured to receive at least one fastening component tosecure the attachment component to the surface of the building.
 33. Thesolar collector of claim 32, wherein the optical component comprises: aradiation directing component configured to redirect the incident solarradiation; a buffer component coupled to the radiation directingcomponent and configured to receive the solar radiation redirected bythe radiation directing component; and a propagation component coupledto the buffer component and configured to receive the solar radiationfrom the buffer component and to propagate the solar radiation generallyin a first direction toward a first end of the propagation component byat least total internal reflection, the radiation directing componentbeing positioned such that the solar radiation incident on the solarcollector which is received into the propagation component is incidentfrom a direction generally not parallel with the first direction of thepropagation component.
 34. The solar collector of claim 32, wherein theoptical component and the attachment component are configured toresemble a conventional roof shingle.
 35. The solar collector of claim33, wherein the top surface of the optical component includes indicia toresemble the tabs of a conventional roof shingle.
 36. The solarcollector of claim 32, wherein the solar radiation at the first end ofthe optical component exits the optical component and is coupled into anoutput component.
 37. The solar collector of claim 36, wherein theoutput component is selected from the group consisting of an energyconverting component, a solar collector, and an optical transportcomponent.
 38. The solar collector of claim 32, wherein the radiationdirecting component is configured to receive and redirect solarradiation of at least two wavelength bands.
 39. The solar collector ofclaim 38, wherein the radiation directing component is configured toreceive and redirect solar radiation from at least one additionaldirection.
 40. The solar collector of claim 39, wherein the radiationdirecting component includes a holographic element.
 41. The solarcollector of claim 39, wherein the radiation directing componentincludes a diffraction grating.
 42. A method of collecting incidentradiation, the method comprising: receiving the incident radiation fromat least a first direction; redirecting the incident radiation with aradiation directing component into a propagation component; retainingthe radiation in the propagation component such that the radiation ispropagated generally toward a first end of the propagation component;and optically separating the radiation component from the propagationcomponent such that the radiation propagating with the propagationcomponent is prevented from interacting with the radiation directingcomponent.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the radiation is retainedwithin the propagation component by at least total internal reflection.44. The method of claim 43, wherein the propagation component includes areflection coating on at least a first surface and the radiation isretained within the propagation component by at least reflection fromthe reflection coating.
 45. The method of claim 42, further comprisingcoupling the radiation propagated toward the first end of thepropagation component to an output component, the output componentselected from the group consisting of an energy converting component, acollector, and an optical transport component.
 46. A method of couplingoptical radiation from at least a first source of optical radiation intoa first optical transport component including a first propagationcomponent and a first buffer component, the first buffer componentradially overlaying the first propagation component and the firstoptical transport component configured to propagate optical radiation ingenerally a first direction toward a first end of the first opticaltransport component or in generally a second direction toward a secondend of the first optical transport component, the method comprising:positioning the at least first source of optical radiation adjacent anexterior radial surface of the first buffer component; directing atleast a portion of the radiation emanating from the source of opticalradiation into the first buffer component of the first optical transportcomponent such that the radiation is coupled into the first propagationcomponent and is propagated within the first propagation componenttoward at least one of the first end or the second end of the firstpropagation component due at least to total internal reflection betweenthe first propagation component and the second component.
 47. The methodof claim 46, wherein the source of optical radiation is selected fromthe group consisting of a laser, a laser diode, a light emitting diode,or a second optical transport component.
 48. The method of claim 46,wherein the optical radiation is directed toward the first end of thefirst propagation component due to the optical radiation having awavelength corresponding to a first wavelength.
 49. The method of claim48, wherein the optical radiation is directed toward the second end ofthe first propagation component due to the optical radiation having awavelength corresponding to a second wavelength.
 50. An opticalconnector for transferring radiation, the optical connector comprising:a first optical transport component including a first propagationcomponent and a first buffer component, the first buffer componentradially overlaying the first propagation component, the first opticaltransport component configured to propagate optical radiation ingenerally a first direction toward a first end of the first opticaltransport component; a second optical transport component including asecond propagation component and a second buffer component, the secondbuffer component radially overlaying the second propagation component,the second optical transport component configured to propagate opticalradiation in generally a second direction toward a second end of thesecond optical transport component, the second optical transportcomponent being positioned such that the second direction is notparallel to the first direction; and a radiation directing componentlocated proximate to the first end of the first optical transportcomponent and proximate to an exterior surface of the buffer componentof the second optical transport component, the radiation directingcomponent configured to redirect the optical radiation propagatinggenerally in the first direction through the exterior surface of thesecond optical transport into the second propagation component such thatthe optical radiation is propagated within second optical transportcomponent generally along the second direction of the second opticaltransport component.
 51. The optical connector of claim 50, wherein theradiation directing component is coupled to the exterior surface of thesecond buffer component.
 52. The optical connector of claim 51, whereinthe radiation directing component includes a holographic element. 53.The optical connector of claim 51, wherein the radiation directingcomponent includes a diffraction grating.
 54. The optical connector ofclaim 50, wherein the radiation directing component is configured toredirect the optical radiation such that the optical radiation willpropagate within the second optical transport component in the seconddirection when a wavelength of the optical radiation is a firstwavelength and is further configured to redirect the optical radiationsuch that the optical radiation will propagate within the second opticaltransport component in a third direction generally opposite to thesecond direction when the wavelength of the optical radiation is asecond wavelength different than the first wavelength.
 55. The opticalconnector of claim 51, wherein the optical radiation coupled from thefirst optical transport component into the second optical transportcomponent includes a data signal.